11th August, 2017 More than 20 journalists from around the Pacific are participating in a workshop in Honiara to prepare for two major weather and climate regional meetings next week.
The four-day workshop aims to enhance participants’ understanding about the roles and services provided by meteorology (MET) services in the region. It also looks at strengthening the working relationship between media and these services.
Chair of PMC and Director of Tonga’s Department of Meteorology Mr. ‘Ofa Fa’anunu.
Chair of the Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC) and Director of Tonga’s Department of Meteorology ‘Ofa Fa’anunu said, “The objective of the training is to train media to know meteorological terms and get them to understand the procedures used at the MET service, what kind of products and services that are available.”
He stated that Tonga’s MET office is keen to strengthen its partnership with the media but more work is needed to be done.
“We have some work to do in the coming five or so years and we have a good feeling about it, and we can see that the improvements are starting to happen, and so it’s just a matter of going through and ensure that we continue to collaborate.
“We’ve conducted a few of this training in Tonga and it will always be the priority of the MET service to continue with these trainings. The plan for this media training to continue back in Tonga, probably we need to do it more often than what we are doing now but for certain we will continue with those trainings.”
SPREP’s Climate Prediction Services Coordinator Sunny Seuseu told journalists that SPREP are encouraging the partnership between MET offices and media in national level.
“There’s been a number of MET Media workshop that SPREP propose to some of our partners. We’re trying to engage, to bring this body together so that the MET offices can focus on generating those warnings and sending out to who needs that information.”
Mr. Seuseu said that plans are in place to employ communication personnel in MET services to liase and disseminate information to media organizations.
The training is funded by COSPPac under the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.
14th August, 2017 His Majesty’s Cabinet has approved on 4th August 2017 the usual annual adjustment to their remunerations due to the increase in the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) of 5% to the Ministerial allowances, effective as from 1 July 2017.
In 2015, His Majesty’s Cabinet resolved that it was only the Civil Servants that would be awarded with a 5% COLA. The Ministers’ similar entitlements were put on hold for now two years. The decision to pay out the 5% COLA for the Hon. Cabinet Minister’s excludes their entitlements to a back pay for the last two years. Nonetheless, the decision to award the Hon. Cabinet Ministers with 5% COLA was prompted by the increase in the income tax imposed on the Hon Cabinet Minister’s annual salary by 24%, commencing 1st July 2017.
In 2005, the Civil Servants was awarded a range of salary adjustment by 60, 70 and 80 percent increases in their income. This was followed by another 10% Cost of Living Allowance in 2009 and again with a 6% increase in 2014. The last salary adjustment of the Civil Servants was a 5% Cost of Living Allowance in 2015.
This is the first salary adjustment applied for the Ministers of the Cabinet since their admission to their respective positions.
ENDS
Issued by the:The Prime Minister’s Office, P.O. Box 62, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Tel: (676) 24 644 Fax: (676) 23 888; For media enquiries- Email:pressoffice@pmo.gov.to
14 ‘o ‘Akosi, 2017 Kuo tali ‘e he Kapineti ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio ‘i he ‘aho 4 ‘Akosi 2017 ‘a e fakalelei vahenga fakata’u ‘oku fa’a fai ki he vahenga ‘o e tokotaha ngaue koe’uhi ko e hikihiki a e totongi koloa, oku ui ko e “Cost of Living Allowance” (COLA) fe’unga mo e peseti ‘e 5% ki he Vahenga ‘o e Hou’eiki Minisita ‘o e Kapineti. Na’e tu’utu’uni ‘e he Kapineti ke fakatatali pe a e Hou’eiki Minisita ‘o e Kapineti ‘i hono fakahoko a e fakalelei koeni ki he vahenga ‘o e kau ngaue fakapule’anga ‘i he 2015. Pea ko e ‘osi eni a e ta’u e ua, pea tu’utu’uni koeni ke toki kamata pe mei he ‘aho 1 Siulai 2017, ‘o ‘ikai ha toe totongi fakafoki ki he 2015. Na’e tupu ‘eni mei he toe hiki ki ‘olunga a e tukuhau’i ‘a e konga ‘o e Vahenga ‘o e Hou’eiki Minisita ‘o peseti ‘e 25, o kamata mei he aho 1 Siulai, 2017.
‘I he 2005, na’e foaki ai ki he kau ngaue fakapule’anga ha hiki vahenga peseti ‘e 60/70/80%. Na’e toe muimui atu ai mo ‘enau fakalelei vahenga COLA peseti 10% ‘i he 2009. Na’e toe fakalelei vahenga peseti 6% ‘i he 2014 pea mo e toe hiki fakalelei vahenga COLA peseti ‘e 5% he 2015.
Ko ‘ene toki fuofua foaki ‘eni ha fakalelei vahenga ma’ae Hou’eiki Minisita ‘o e Kapineti talu mei he’enau hu ki he Kapineti ‘i Novema 2014.
NGATA’ANGA
Tukuatu mei he: Potungaue Va’a Fakamatala ‘Ea, Ma’u’anga Ivi, Ma’u’anga Fakamatala, Tokangaekina ‘o e Fakatamaki Fakaenatula, Fetu’utaki mo e Feliuliuaki ‘a e ‘Ea.
14th August, 2017 The Ministry of Revenue and Customs is pleased to announce its newest compliance initiative, the TONGA HEILALA TAX SYSTEM. This is a reward system whereby the Ministry dedicates high standard and prioritized services to its deserving selected members.
Selected members are taxpayers that have not only maintained a high level of compliance with Taxation and Customs laws, but each have respectively made significant contributions to government revenue in the past years.
Ten such taxpayers selected by the Ministry to pioneer this system, in alphabetical order are –
1. A Cowley & Sons Limited;
2. Bank of South Pacific Tonga Limited (BSP);
3. Fexco (Tonga) Limited;
4. MBF Bank Limited;
5. Pacific Energy (South West Pacific) Limited;
6. PTH Limited;
7. The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints;
8. Tonga Airports Limited;
9. Tonga Development Bank Limited; and
10. Tonga Water Board.
Dedicated services and benefits offered to the members, include but are not limited to, a private reception area with refreshments, TV and internet access at both Tax and Customs offices; prioritized processing of tax and customs requests (refund, assessment, payment, import entries, etc); blanket tax clearance; and to permit the access by members’ CEOs and senior managers to the VIP lounge upon arrival at the Fua’amotu International Airport.
Membership will depend on the ability of the taxpayer to maintain high levels of compliance and any additions to its membership will depend on the Ministry’s annual review processes.
The Ministry as part of its medium to long terms goals for the system is looking to extend the benefits offered to the Tonga Heilala Tax System members in the near future and will be working closely with line ministries to realize this.
The underlying aim of this initiative is to encourage and foster a culture of voluntary compliance with Tax and Customs laws that will enable Government to continue to collect revenue to build a prosperous Tonga.
Cutting of Ribbon by the Hon. Prime Minister, to the Heilala Tax System Lounge
14 ‘o ‘Akosi, 2017 Kuo tuku atu ‘e he Potungaue Tanaki Pa’anga Hu Mai mo e Tute ‘a ‘enau ki’i polokalama founga ngaue fo’ou ki hono faka’ai’ai ‘o e talangofua ki he ngaahi lao mo e tu’utu’uni fakatukuhau mo e tute. Ko e founga ngaue ko ‘eni ‘oku ui ia ko e HEILALA TAX SYSTEM, ‘a ia ‘oku hanga ai ‘e he Potungaue ‘o fakamalo’ia’i makehe ‘a kinautolu ‘oku nau fakahoko fatongia fakatukuhau lelei. ‘Oku ‘oatu ai ‘e he Potungaue ‘a e ngaahi sevesi makehe kia kinautolu kuo fili ke memipa ‘i he polokalama ni ‘i he makatu’unga lalahi ‘e ua ‘aia ko e ‘ikai ngata ‘i he’enau tauhi pau ki he ngaahi lao mo e tu’utu’uni fakatukuhau mo e tute, ka ko e toe totongi tukuhau lahi foki ‘o lavemonuu ai ‘a e Pule’anga mo e kakai ‘o e fonua.
Ko e ngaahi kautaha ‘eni ‘e toko 10 kuo fili ‘e he Potungaue ke nau hoko ko e kau memipa ke nau kamata’i ‘a e ki’i polokalama ko ‘eni –
1. A Cowley & Sons Limited;
2. Bank of South Pacific Tonga Limited (BSP);
3. Fexco (Tonga) Limited;
4. MBF Bank Limited;
5. Pacific Energy (South West Pacific) Limited;
6. PTH Limited;
7. The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints;
8. Tonga Airports Limited;
9. Tonga Development Bank Limited; and
10. Tonga Water Board.
Ko e ngaahi sevesi makehe kuo pole ‘a e Potungaue ke tokoni’i ‘aki ‘a e kau memipa, ‘oku kau ai ‘a e loki talitali makehe ma’a kinautolu, toe vaveange ‘o makehe mei he angamaheni, ‘a e ngaue ki he’enau ngaahi kole kotoa pe fekau’aki mo e tukuhau mo e tute pea pehee foki ki he ngofua kenau ngaue’aki ‘a e loki talitali VIP ‘i he tu’uta mai ki Tonga ni ‘i he mala’e vakapuna Fua’amotu.
Ko e kau memipa ko ‘eni kuo fili, kuopau ke nau kei hokohoko atu ‘enau tauhi ‘a e ngaahi lao mo e ngaahi tu’tu’uni fakatukuhau mo e tute pea ‘e fai ‘a hono toe siofi fakata’u ‘enau fakahoko fatongia fakatukuhau.
‘Oku ‘i ai ‘a e taumu’a ngaue ‘a e Potungaue ke toe fakalahi ‘a e ngaahi sevesi makehe ‘e fakahoko ki he kau memipa ‘o e ki’i polokalama ni pea ‘oku fai ‘a e sio ke fakahoko ha ngaue fakataha mo e ngaahi Potungaue Pule’anga kehe ‘oku nau felalaave’i mo fengaue’aki vaofi mo e Potungaue ni.
Ko e taumu’a foki ia ‘o e ki’i polokalama ko ‘eni ke faka’ai’ai aipe ‘a e tauhi mo muimui pau ki he tu’utu’uni mo e lao fakatukuhau mo e tute ka e lava ke tanaki ‘e he Pule’anga ‘a e tukuhau ‘oku totonu ke tanaki ke fakalele’aki pea mo fakahoko ‘aki ‘a e ngaahi langa fakalakalaka ‘a hotau ki’i fonua ko Tonga.
NGATA’ANGA
Tuku atu ia mei he: Potungaue Tanaki Pa’anga Hu Mai mo e Tute.
14th August, 2017 The New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga Her Excellency, Sarah Walsh awarded 16 certificates to Tonga Power Limited Line Staff who have completed NZQA Level 4 Line Mechanic last Friday at Davina House, Ma’ufanga.
Speaking to more than 30 guests Her Excellency, Sarah Walsh stated that this is the first time for the New Zealand qualification to be achieved by any lines technician outside of New Zealand.
“I am pleased to see that both men and women lines technicians have achieved this qualification. What a celebration for Tonga! You are now qualified in meeting the best practice health and safety standards that are required for the range of work you undertake as a distribution lines mechanic. This is something which other work places in Tonga can learn from in relation to health and safety best practice”.
Ms. Walsh said, “The Government of Tonga has a clear vision to achieve greater energy generation through renewable sources and to improve electricity efficiency, including through upgrading its electricity networks. 50% renewable energy generation by 2020 to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and 100% renewable energy generation by 2030”.
She also said “that over the past five years, New Zealand has demonstrated the commitment to help Tonga to achieve these goals, through the Maama mai Solar project and the Tonga Village Network Upgrade, which is upgrading the electricity supply to 50 villages in Tongatapu. The energy sector is the largest component of New Zealand’s development assistance to Tonga”.
“We are hoping that we will have more work for you all as the Government of Tonga and Tonga Power find ways to finance the upgrade of the Nuku’alofa electricity network. The demonstrations that Tonga Power put on for our Foreign Minister and Prime Minister earlier this year, have helped to cement New Zealand’s support to that project and we are hopeful that together we can find other contributors to help fully fund the $50 m project”, she added.
Her Excellency concluded by urging graduates the very best in the future through applying their skills in the field for the development of Tonga.
Chief Executive Officer of Tonga Power Ltd, Mr. Robert Matthews expressed his sincere thanks to the Government of New Zealand, MFAT and in particular NZ High Commissioner Sarah Walsh and her staff for making this training possible, for the funding, support and guidance along the way.
Participated in the Certificate Award Programme were the families of the graduates and guests.
Awarding of certificate to one of the Line Mechanics by H.E, Sarah Walsh accompanying by the CEO, Tonga Power Ltd
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.
11th August, 2017 Tonga will be represented at the upcoming weather and climate regional meetings in Honiara.
Chair of the Pacific Meteorology Council (PMC) and Director of Tonga’s Department of Meteorology Mr. ‘Ofa Fa’anunu said the meetings bring vital opportunities for meteorological services to come together and discuss common challenges.
Mr. Fa’anunu said that Tonga’s agenda in the meeting include weather monitoring equipment and the delivery mechanism of the early warning system.
“For Tonga weather monitoring equipment is quite expensive and it’s a continuous challenge trying to get all the equipment that we need to be able to create our forecast in Tonga. Not only that but the delivery mechanisms for early warning system, trying to improve on communications,” he said.
According to Fa’anunu, Tonga has a few priorities needed to be dealt with during the meeting.
“First of all is our tsunami warning system. They will still have a lot of improvement in terms of getting the competency of the forecasters at Fua’amotu to the level that we want it to be. In the aviation side of things, it’s now a requirement by law of the Civil Aviation Act of Tonga that the national meteorological service must be certified and we’ll be looking at finding opportunities to further train forecasters as well as the equipment for all our airports in Tonga to get things like safety audits done towards achieving certification.
He said that the PMC meeting will also look at endorsing the Pacific Islands Meteorological Strategy 2017-2026 on Thursday next week.
The Pacific Meteorological Council and Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology are held every two years.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.
15th August, 2017 Directors of national meteorological services and officials from the Pacific have convened in Honiara this week to attend the Pacific Meteorological Council Meeting (PMC) under the theme ‘Sustainable Weather, Ocean and Water Services for a Resilient Pacific’.
The meeting was officially opened by Solomon Islands Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology Hon. Samuel Manetoali yesterday morning at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency conference room.
Solomon Islands Minister for Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon. Samuel Manetoali delivering the opening address.
Hon. Manetoali said, “Globally, majority of the natural disasters are hydro meteorological in nature. In the Pacific region, a lot of natural disasters that we had experienced are also related to water and climate.”
“Given our limited capacity, isolation, weak economic base and frailty as Pacific Island Countries and Territories, we are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and that of climate variability.”
He said the meeting would provide opportunities for the region to discuss approaches to safeguard people.
“The gathering this week is to discuss ways and opportunities to strengthen our meteorological and hydrological services so that required services are provided for the safety of our people and their properties as well as towards a more economically vibrant society.”
Director of Tonga’s MET service and outgoing chair of PMC Mr. ‘Ofa Fa’anunu.
Director of Tonga’s MET service and outgoing chair of PMC Mr. ‘Ofa Fa’anunu also addressed the meeting for the last time during the opening session.
He said PMC has come a long way from the first meeting in Marshall Islands in 2011.
“Since its inception, our numbers continue to grow as the Pacific Meteorological Council has developed innovative ways to operationalize its work through the establishment of its five expert panels to enhance sustainable weather, climate, oceans and water services for a resilience Pacific in the areas of aviation, marine and oceans, climate, communication and infrastructure and education, training and research.”
He said that PMC have developed a roadmap on climate services to guide work in the delivery of climate services and Pacific Island Meteorology Strategy (PIMS) as well as the Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology.
Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Mr. Leota Kosi Latu said there have been a lot of achievements made collectively as a region by national meteorological services.
He said, “One of the objective for over the four days of the PMC is to further endure and strengthen the facilitation, coordination and networking among members of the Pacific Meteorological Council, development partners, regional and international organizations in relation to meteorological services.”
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Director for Development and Regional Activities Ms. Mary Power highlighted the link between the work and role of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) and national resilience.
“I do not need to remind us why the role of NMHSs is so important. Your services contribute to poverty reduction, sustainable development, climate change and disaster risk reduction. They also support the efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.
WMO Director for Development and Regional Activities Ms. Mary Power and the Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Reigonal Environment Programme Mr. Leota Kosi Latu at the opening session.
The Fourth Pacific Meteorological Council is being held in Honiara, Solomon Islands from the 14 – 17 August co-hosted by the government of Solomon Islands, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This will followed by the Second Pacific Meteorological Ministers Meeting (PMMM) on the 18 of August.
The PMC and PMMM is supported by the Government of Solomon Islands, SPREP, WMO, Government of Australia through the Climate and Oceans Support Programme (COSPPac) and Pacific Australia Climate Change Science and Adaptation Planning Programme (PACCSAP), Government of Finland, National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United Nations Development Programme through the Resilience in the Pacific (SIDS) project.
The PMC consists of members of the Pacific National Meteorological and Hydrological Services supported by its technical partners, regional organisations, non-government organisations and private sectors.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.
15 ‘o ‘Akosi, 2017 Na’e hopoki ‘e he Tama Tu’i Tupou VI ‘a e MV Maui ma’a e kainga ‘o e Fungafonua ‘i he ho’ata ‘aneafi ‘i he Taulanga Faua.
Kuo mokoi e finangalo ‘o ‘ene ‘Afio ke fakahuafa ko e MV Maui pea ‘omai mei ‘ofisi palasi mo e fakamatala ko e ’uhi ‘oku lahi e ha e hingoa Maui he ngaahi matanga ‘o ‘Eua.
‘I he fakamatala ‘a Sunia Fili ko e Sea ‘o e Poate Vaka, na’a ne pehe ko e vaka ni na’e fo’u ia he 1990 ko e vaka alaminiume ‘e he kautaha ko e Wavemaster International Proprietary Limited ‘o Western Australia, pea na’e fo’u ia ‘o fakatatau ki he classification Rules ‘a e Det Norske Varitas (DNV) ‘o Noaue pea ke ne fai folau ‘o a’u ki he maile tahi ‘e 200 mei he mataa fanga.
“Na’e fo’u e vaka ni ma’ae kautaha Nu’usila ko e Fullers Group Limited ‘o NZ ko e ma’uvaka (owner) ‘uluaki ia pea ko e ‘aho ni kuo hoko ‘a e Kosilio Folautahi ‘a ‘Eua ko e ma’uvaka (owner) fika ua ki he vaka ni”.
Ko e vaka ni ‘oku mita ‘e 37 hono loloa pea mita 7 tesimale ‘e 2 hono maokupu. ‘Oku misini ua pea ‘oku misini waterjet ‘o ‘ikai ha tapili.Ko ‘ene oma ‘oku lava ‘o a’u ki he noti pe maile tahi ki he houa ‘e 25 pea fakafuofua ki he lita lolo ‘e 500 te ne ngaue’aki ki he houa. Ko hono pasese, te ne lava ‘o uta ‘a e pasese 390 mo e kau kauvaka ‘e toko 6.
Na’e pehe ‘e Sunia Fili, “Kuo fai ‘a hono ngaahi sivi kehekehe ‘e he kautaha malu’i mo e Marine ‘a Nu’usila pea kuo lava lelei ‘o nau fakahoko mai ‘oku kei malohi fe’unga e vaka ni ki he potu tahi ‘o ‘Eua mo Tonga foki”.
Ko e mahu’inga ‘o e vaka ko e pa’anga ‘Amelika ‘e $800,000.00 ‘aia ko e pa’anga Tonga ia ‘e $1,776,464.61. ‘Oku ‘i ai pe mo e ngaahi fakamole kehekehe ‘o kau ai e malu’i mo e fakafolau mai ‘o e vaka ni pea ‘oku katoa ‘emau fakamole mo e pa’anga Tonga ‘e $2.2 miliona. Kuo to e lotolelei pe ’a ‘etau pangike, ‘a e Pangike Fakalakalaka ‘o Tonga ke to e tokoni mai pea kuo deposit ‘a e $7kilu pea to e leva ‘a e toenga noo ko e pa’anga Tonga ‘e $1.5 miliona.
Ko e poate lolotonga he ‘aho ni, te nau hokoatu ‘a e ngaue, ko Sunia Fili (Sea) , Tevita Lavemaau (Fakafofonga Falealea) Sosaia Hausia(Sekelitali) Va’inga Tonga (Pulengaue Va’a ‘i ‘Eua) pea mo Christopher ‘Ali (Pulengaue ‘Ofisi Nuku’alofa). Ko ki nautolu eni te nau fua fatongia ma’ae kosilio mo Tonga ‘i he ta’u ‘e ua hoko mai.
Na’e kau atu foki ‘a e Faifekau Faka-Tu’i Rev. Dr. ‘Ahio pea mo e kau Hou’eiki Minista ‘o e kapineti ki he Ouau Hopoki MV Maui.
NGATA’ANGA
Tuku atu mei he: Potungāue Fakamatala ‘Ea, Ma’u’anga Ivi, Ma’u’anga Fakamatala, Fakatamaki Fakaenatula, ‘Atakai, Feliuliuaki ‘o e ‘Ea mo e Fetu’utaki.
17th August 2017 JICA has officially accepted another four participants from Tonga to participate in the 2nd Batch for the Pacific Leader’s Educational Assistance for Development of State (Pacific-LEADS Program) as part of Japan’s commitment from the 7th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 7) in May 2015.
The successful participants are as follows;
Malia Hola – Principal Assistant Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office
Tracy Aisea – Fisheries Officer, Ministry of Fisheries
Tilisa Tohi – Food Auditor, Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Forestry
Saimone Manu – Assistant Research Scientist, Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Forestry
The main objective of this Educational Program is to foster young leaders who are expected to play vital roles towards the resolution of development challenges in Pacific Islands Countries. Furthermore, each participant has proposed research topics anticipated to contribute solve the development agendas of Pacific Island countries such as Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change; the Environment; Sustainable Development, Oceans, Maritime issues, and Fisheries; Trade, Investment, Tourism; and the Economic Policy.
During the official function for welcoming the Pacific LEADS Participants, His Excellency Mr. Numata congratulated all participants and expressed his gratitude for the continuous collaboration amongst others which indicated another excellent result of four young Tongans selected to participate in the P-LEADS 2nd batch.
The President of JICA Alumni Association Mr. Vainga Palu conveyed his sincere thanks and appreciation to his Excellency Mr. Numata, for the on-going opportunity being awarded to these four young stars, to be able to learn from the rich experiences and technology in Japan. He also urged the participants to study hard and behave themselves and be a good young ambassador on behalf of the people of Tonga.
Mr. Yoshiura, JICA Resident Representative, acknowledged the participants and believed that these selected participants would be a great benefit for both countries as well as further promoting the closer friendship between people of Tonga and the people of Japan.
Comments from the 2nd Batch Participants;
Ms. Malia Hola – Why did you choose the Pacific LEADS program?
The Pacific LEADS program marks another milestone in Japan’s growing partnership with Tonga and the Pacific Islands. This program offers a great opportunity for Pacific countries to strengthen our human capacity in different areas of development, so that we as developing states can be in a better position to resolve challenges and support the development efforts undertaken towards the achievement of our country’s national vision and goals.
I am truly grateful to the Government and the people of Japan for granting this opportunity to enhance our knowledge. I know that the understanding I will gain from my program of study will allow me to contribute in a meaningful and effective way to the performance of my duties for the Government of Tonga, for the benefit of our people. I look forward to actively engaging in Japan’s rich culture and diverse environment as well as learning from the traditional values and founding principles that make Japan unique.
Ms. Tilisa Tohi – What do you want to contribute from your experience after studying in Japan for the future of Tonga?
Having successfully completed this Masters program, I would be able to help improve the current Food Safety and Quality in Tonga. Vital knowledge and skill obtained will be applied to protect human and animal health from risks arising from residues, contaminants, toxins or disease-causing organisms in food or feedstuffs and protect our country from other damages caused by the entry, establishment or spread of pests. It will also provide a basis for technical dialogues with exporters, importers and stakeholders in Tonga.
Ms. Tracy Aisea – What do you expect in Japan?
The opportunity to gain international experience by studying in Japan is a great way to obtain first-hand knowledge of the country of Japan, its people, culture and expertise. It will also help strengthen Tonga and Japan’s good relationship. I will be able to help increase the production, growth and survival of commodities species in Tonga. It will help Tonga develop its small scale aquaculture farming into a commercial scale of production.
Working together with lab technicians and Professors in Japan will also provide me the opportunity to learn how to make use of the specialized equipment currently in Tonga, donated by JICA.
Learning from Professors in Japan’s University will be a good opportunity for me to learn how to improve and sustain marine invertebrate production in Tonga. By improving the production of marine species in Tonga we can create a sustainable aquaculture industry that can provide food security, economic growth, help re-stock natural populations and support coastal livelihoods.
Mr. Saimone Manu – What do you want to study in Japan?
With these educational programs I would like to learn and expose to the latest advance sciences in the field of biological control with natural insect predator, sterile insect technology, and the field of biological insecticides in terms of crop protection.
I believe my study and research in Japan will enhance my knowledge and skill on the integrated pest management. Therefore, I’m thankful for the Japanese government and the leaders of the Pacific islands who created the Pacific Leads Programme for the opportunity as it aims to foster young leaders who play important role towards the Pacific island countries. This programme will also provide me with a great opportunity to experience the Japanese cultures as well as learning the language for future enhancing the relationship between Japanese people and the people of Tonga.
All participants have left Tonga to Japan on 14th August for their 3 weeks orientation program in Okinawa Island, before dispatching to each respective University for the commencement of their Masters Program next month until March 2020. JICA has once again congratulated the participants on their new journey and wished them all a very successful study.
Good Luck!
Participant’s farewell meetings at the airport with Mr. Iwata, JICA Project Formulation Advisor before depart to Japan.
17th August 2017 The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) would like to invite law practitioners to a free half-day seminar to learn about international arbitration reform in Tonga and in the South Pacific region supported under an ADB regional technical assistance. As South Pacific countries continue to develop their international trade and investment agenda, and as foreign investment in the region grows, arbitration has become an important and popular method of resolving disputes within the international business community.
Who should attend
Private and government lawyers who advise on contracts with foreign companies
RSVP by 20 August 2017
Ms. Emie Alcala, at mialcala.consultant@adb.org and Ms. Ana Kakau, at akakau@justice.gov.to
Co-Chairs
Christina Pak, Senior Counsel, ADB and Daniel Meltz, Barrister, ADB International Arbitration Consultant
Speakers
Jo Delaney, Partner, Baker & McKenzie, Sydney and Daniel Kalderimis, Partner, Chapman Tripp, Wellington
Numbers are limited and final allocation will be at the discretion of the Asian Development Bank
17th August 2017 The Tongan Government, the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) would like to invite private sector and public enterprises to a free half – day seminar to learn about international arbitration reform in Tonga and in the South Pacific region supported under an ADB regional technical assistance. As South Pacific countries continue to develop their international trade and investment agenda, and as foreign investment in the region grows, arbitration has become an important and popular method of resolving disputes within the international business community.
Who should attend
Businesses and government non-lawyers who contract with foreign companies
17th August 2017 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regrets to inform the general public that the stock of Ordinary Passports is running low and this may cause some delay in getting passports issued. This has been largely due to unexpected increase in demand for Ordinary Passports among other factors and these have greatly affected our projections of demand for passports.
The Ministry wishes to assure the public that they take this matter seriously and is pursing every possible means to replenish the stock to normal levels. As of now, the Ministry have installed interim measures, including extending current passports, prioritizing the issuance of Ordinary Passports to emergency and urgent travel cases, and using alternative travel documents such as Certificate of Identity (CI).
The Ministry would urge the public to talk to staff at the Tonga Immigration Division about possible measures to address their applications.
‘Oku ‘oatu heni ‘a e fanongonongo ki he Kakai ‘o e fonuá, ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e nounou ‘i he ngaahi tohi ngofua folau (paasipooti angamaheni) pea ‘e malava ke tuai ai ‘a hono paaki atu ‘a ho’omou tohi ngofua folaú. ‘Oku makatu’unga eni ‘i he lahi makehe ‘a e ngaahi fiema’u tohi ngofua folaú pea mo e ngaahi ‘uhinga kehe pe ‘o uesia ai ‘a e tu’unga angamaheni ‘a hono fakafuofua.
‘Oku faka’amu ‘a e Potungaue ke fakamahino heni ki he Kakai ‘o e fonua, ‘oku fakahoko honau lelei taha ke fakapapau’i ‘oku fakalahi mai he vavetaha ‘a e ngaahi tohi ngofua folau ki ha tu’unga ‘oku fakafiemalie. Kuo fokotu’u ‘e he Potungaue ‘a e ngaahi me’afua fakataimi ‘o kau ki ai ‘a hono fakaloloa ‘o e ngaahi tohi ngofua folau lolotonga, toki ‘oatu pe ha tohi ngofua folau (paasipooti) ki ha ngaahi fiema’u folau ‘oku fakavavevave, pea mo hono ngaue’aki ‘a e ngaahi tohi ngofua folau makehe ‘o hange ko e tohi ngofua folau fakataimi (Certificate of Identity).
‘Oku ‘oatu heni ‘a e tapou mei he Potungaue kemou fakamolemole ‘o fetu’utaki ki he kau ngaue ‘o e Va’a Fefolau’aki ‘a Tonga ki ha founga ‘e fe’unga ki ho’omou tohi kole ngofua folau.
‘Oku ‘oatu ‘a e kole fakamolemole ‘i ha tonounou makatu’unga ‘i he fakahoko fatongia ni.
21st August, 2017 The Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation & Labour wishes to advise that the Tonga Competent Authority (TCA) has approved the new petroleum prices for August – September 2017 to be effective from Wednesday, 16 th August 2017.
Wholesale petrol and kerosene will reduce by 1.78 seniti/litre and 3.08 seniti/litre respectively, while diesel prices will increase marginally by 1.75 seniti/litre. Retail price for Petroleum decreases by 1.91 seniti/litre, kerosene by 3.29 seniti/litre while diesel slightly increases by 1.87 seniti/litre. All price changes include consumption tax.
Crude oil prices were mixed during July although on average were higher than the previous month, with Dated Brent averaging USD 48.56/bbl which was USD 2.04/bbl higher than June.
Product prices, particularly diesel and kerosene have risen ahead of crude supported by strong demand in the region. Whereas for regional petrol, supply has increased putting downward pressure on refining margins, and as a result petrol prices have risen less than crude. Comparing the July month average prices with June:
Crude oil (Date Brent) was up USD 2.04/bbl (4.4%)
Diesel was up USD 3.50/bbl
Petrol was up by USD 1.64/bbl
The freight rate has strengthened increasing the cost of shipping to Tonga. The Tongan Pa’anga continued to strengthen (about two percent) against the US dollar, offsetting some of the gain in product prices.
For further information please contact the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation & Labour at telephone 23688.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation & Labour.
21st August 2017 The Government of Tonga will be committing more than US$25 million to the kingdom’s meteorological service to develop resilience to extreme weather events and to strengthen its early warning system.
Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni announced this during discussions on the outcomes of the Nuku’alofa Ministerial Declaration of 2015 at the Pacific Meteorological Ministers Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands last Friday.
“My government is looking to commit over US$25 million to the development of our multi-hazard early warning system over the next three years. We are looking at upgrading our MET stations throughout the country including upgrade of office infrastructure and specialized instrumentation.”
Hon Sovaleni said investments are going into strengthening Tonga’s early warning and disaster response communications and alert systems.
“Building the capacity in terms of data management system and technical capacity of our national agencies in coordination in disaster risk financing are also a focus of this investment to build our resilience to national hazard.”
With regards to the Nuku’alofa Declaration, Hon Sovaleni stated that the Tongan Government had presented the declaration to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting that was held in Papua New Guinea in 2015.
This was done he said to ensure the mechanism we put in place to mobilise the required support for our MET priorities at the highest level.
“So I can say that our Pacific leaders are now aware of the need to strengthen the MET services in the region as an important investment in sustainable development. “The expanded theme of the 4th Pacific Meteorological Council Meeting to include ocean and hydrology demonstrates the growing important of NMHSs in contributing to the sustainable and resilient development of the Pacific.”
Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister stated that it was clear after the presentation from the Director General of SPREP on the outcomes of the Nuku’alofa Ministerial Declaration and PMC-4 that was has been accomplished has already been established.
He expressed his gratitude to the members of the Pacific Meteorological Council, the World Meteorological Organisation, SPREP and development partners for the progress of the Nuku’alofa Declaration.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for MEIDECC Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni also shown in the picture, the Director of Meteorology Mr. ‘Ofa Fa’anunu
ENDS
Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication
21st August 2017 The duo HIV and Syphilis Test Kit will be piloted in Tonga in the next three months. Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Dr. Ma’ake Tupou is currently facilitating a one-day training at the Tanoa Hotel aiming to train Medical Officers and Nurses on the new kit.
The testing kit is a recently developed rapid diagnostic test that can detect HIV and Syphilis infections using finger prick blood or serum. Set to be piloted in five countries in the Pacific which are Kiribati, Palau, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. The project is funded under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through Multi-Country Western Pacific Programme to improve the public health response to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Dr. Ma’ake Tupou attended a workshop in Nadi, Fiji on June of this year where the new kit was introduced.
Dr. Tupou said the current system tests for HIV and Syphilis separately and the existing diagnostics for these STIs are carried out on laboratory-based platforms. The sample is taken into a lab for further analysis and it takes time for the patients to get their results.
“On the other hand this newly introduced method will process two tests using this one kit.. Patients will get their results in 15 – 20 minutes. This will make it easier for the patients and Medical Officers.”
He added that this kit will be very useful in such places that have no laboratories, like the Niuas.”There are four major Hospitals in Tonga, these hospitals have labs but with places like the Niuas who do not have one, this kit will be very useful.”
The test kit will be used for the routine Health Test and it is available for anyone that needs screening for HIV and Syphilis.
“Routine Health Test, like the Antenatal Clinic, Public Servant Health Test, Travel Health Test which normally includes HIV/Syphilis tests, starting next month the new kit will be used, instead of going to the lab and we invite anyone that need screening for HIV and Shyphis to come along.’’ He said
The kit will be piloted in three months and if the test is successful than it will continue to six other Pacific Island countries.
Participating in the training were Chief Medical Officer and National HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator Dr. Reynold ‘Ofanoa, Medical Officers from the Antenatal Clinic, Lab technicians, Medical Officers from outer islands, representative from Tonga Leitis Association and representative from Tonga Family Health Association.
Facilitator: Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Dr. Ma’ake TupouParticipants during the training
ENDS
Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication
21st August, 2017 Four Government Ministries received donated equipments and supplies as aid from the Dongguan Municipal People’s Congress of China’s Guangdong Province this afternoon, at Fa’onelua Convention Centre.
Speaking to more than 50 guests, the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni on behalf of the Government of Tonga expressed his sincere gratitude to the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Tonga His Excellency, Mr. Li Mantang and the Dongguan Municipal People’s Congress of China’s Guangdong Province for their generous assistance.
Deputy Prime Minister. Hon Siaosi Sovaleni, conveying the acceptance speech on behalf of the Government of Tonga
“Chinese people have helped the Tongan people in so many ways. Throughout the years we have seen the development of our island nation with increasing Chinese assistance and aid programs. We are most grateful for Mr. Li Mantang and the Dongguan Municipal People’s Congress of China’s Guangdong Province’s contributions and we wish to acknowledge and maintain the China-Tonga Friendly Trade and Cooperation”.
Hon Sovaleni said, “With these assistance, it will no doubt improve the quality of service given by the care givers at the Ministry of Health. The equipment provided will be used at the following areas: Paediatric Ward, Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, Diabetes Clinic, Operating Theatre and Intensive Care unit, and other clinics at Vaiola Hospital and outlying island hospitals and health centers”.
“Clearly, these medical equipment have a quite board applications and usefulness, which will improve quality of care available in the areas where they will be utilized. With these new tools, our health staff will be motivated to be more effective in carrying out their duties hence the quality of patient care will definitely improve. These equipment will also replace our older equipment and those that have been damaged beyond repair”, he added.
The Ministry of Agriculture will be able to engage farmers more effectively as these ploughs will reduce farming costs associated with hiring of such equipment.
The Ministry of Education will be able to utilize the stationeries provided to enhance the capabilities of teachers and students alike. Government Ministries here today are now capable of providing a better health service, boost agricultural assistance, and a robust education system.
The water tanks can be used by the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) to support the wash cluster in water distribution following disaster events or the food security cluster for irrigation of crops during drought.
Present in the ceremony were the Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ministers of the Crown, Government CEOs with officials, representatives from NGOs and guests.
People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Tonga H.E. Mr. Wang Baodong in his remarksTeam Leader of the Delegations from the Dongguan Municipal People’s Congress of China’s Guangdong Province during the handover ceremony, Fa’onelua Convention Centre
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.
The Magistrates Court is seeking applications from experienced persons who wish to be considered for appointment as a Magistrate.
Magistrates are responsible to the Lord Chief Justice and the Chief Magistrate.
Key duties and functions include –
Magistrates’ court proceedings
Disposal of litigation
Case management
Inquest and court inquiry
Search warrants and other judicial functions
Management including assisting with staff matters
To be eligible for appointment, applicants should meet the following requirements –
Education, qualification and work experience
Highly desirable to have attained a LLB degree or a Diploma in Law from a recognized university
at least 5 years of legal practice
Skills and Aptitude
highly organized with an ability to demonstrate or develop sound court management skills
strong analytical and conceptual skills
strong interpersonal skills
fluent and effective verbal and written communication in English and Tongan
computer literate would be an advantage
Personal Attributes
Applicants must have the attributes of integrity, discretion and incorruptibility, honesty, punctuality, ability to work under pressure and in a collegiate manner with judicial colleagues, highly motivated, trustworthy and must be of good health.
The starting salary will be commensurate to the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience.
All applicants must provide full personal particulars, copy of CV, relevant certificates, birth certificate and the names and contact details of two referees (character reference and professional reference).
Applications must be received no later than 4:30pm on Monday, 2nd October 2017 and addressed to:
Ms. Fatima Fonua, Registrar, Supreme Court of Tonga, Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
22nd August, 2017 The Government of Tonga set-up the Tonga National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) in July 2016. The CERT Board was also established to provide oversight and strategic direction in accordance with its Terms of Reference.
The Board’s membership reflects Tonga’s multi stakeholder approach to addressing cyber challenges comprising of members from Ministry of Police, Ministry of MEIDECC, National Reserve Bank of Tonga, Tonga Cable Limited, TCC, Digicel and Civil Society. A meeting of the board was held where the draft annual report was presented and discussed.
certTonga provides proactive services to minimize the likelihood of cyber-attacks through providing vulnerability information to organizations in Tonga. They also respond to cyber incidents mitigating the impact of cyber-attacks. certTonga also assist Tonga Police with computer forensics and advice.
As part of the one year anniversary event, the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni also officially opened Tonga CERT’s office donated by Tonga Cable Limited and equipment offered from Digicel. The furnitures and equipment were also supplied through a grant from the Internet Society Innovation Fund.
Officially opened Tonga CERT’s office by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi SovaleniCommemorating one year anniversary of the Tonga National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), by the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi SovaleniDigicel Head of Commercial, Mr. Tenisi Fuapau, TCC Acting CEO, Mr. Sione Veikoso, Executive Director for Civil Society, Mrs. Siale ‘Ilolahia, taking part commemorating the one year anniversary of the Tonga’s National CERT.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.
The Second Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology was held on 18 August, 2017 in Honiara, Solomon Islands with representation from Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. It was organized by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Government of the Solomon Islands.
WE, the attending SPREP Member Countries’ Cabinet Ministers responsible for Meteorology, and their designated representatives, are calling for further support from our governments, development partners and donors to ensure that National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) have the necessary capacity to support sustainable and resilient development;
WE pay tribute to the late Honourable Mattlan Zachras, Minister in Assistance to the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, who passed away before this meeting;
REAFFIRMING the Nuku’alofa Ministerial Declaration for Sustainable Weather and Climate Services for a Resilient Pacific, adopted by the 1st Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology on 24th July 2015 at Nuku’alofa, Tonga;
RECOGNIZING that 80% of disasters are caused by severe weather events. While the loss of human life due to weather related disasters has markedly decreased in recent years the economic losses have dramatically increased. We further recognize that, according to the 5th IPCC Assessment, 7 out of the 10 countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with respect to % of exposed population, are Pacific Island Countries, and that 4 out of the 5 most low lying islands are in the Pacific.
PRESENT this Statement to show our political will to support the development of sustainable weather, climate, ocean and water services in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) fully taking into account national development priorities, regional and global meteorological strategies and other relevant frameworks;
RECOGNISE the vital importance of the mission of NMHSs, as stated in the Convention of the WMO, in providing sustainable weather, climate, ocean and water services in support of relevant national needs, including protection of life and property, sustainable development and safeguarding the environment;
FURTHER RECOGNISE THAT
i. impacts of climate variability and change represent a major challenge to small islands. The priority issues of particular concern to the region include: sea level rise, salt water intrusion, drought, flooding, coastal inundation, ocean state (tides, swells, waves, acidification), and impacts on health (e.g. malaria and dengue), water resources, agriculture and fisheries (invasive species, etc);
ii. demands for sustainable weather, climate, ocean and water services to reduce these impacts are growing in the region;
iii. targeted capacity building for NMHSs in PICTs and partner organisations, for improved provision of sustainable weather, climate, ocean and water services tailored for the needs of communities and development sectors, are crucial for sustainable development;
iv. customized sustainable weather, climate, ocean and water services accounting for differences in information content and channels for accessing this information that meet the needs of men, women and people with disabilities in communities and development sectors, are needed, thus contributing to effective Early Warning Systems;
v. while NMHSs are committed to providing sustainable weather, climate, ocean and water services, we are conscious of the lack of capacity within NMHSs and the competing demands for Governments’ budget allocations;
vi. the Pacific Islands Meteorological Strategy 2017-2026 (PIMS) provides guidance on NMHS priorities in supporting sustainable and resilient development through the provision of sustainable weather, climate, ocean and water services;
vii. the Pacific Roadmap for Strengthened Climate Services (PRSCS) provides guidance on how the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) is implemented in the Pacific Region;
viii. the development of science-based climate information and prediction needs to be incorporated into planning, decision making, policy and practice on the global, regional and national scale;
ix. the guiding principles behind the PIMS and the PRSCS are to strengthen the institutional mechanisms for interaction between national institutions and seek engagement with organisations working at the community level; and recommend use of open source coded where possible, focusing on software tools without proprietary software implications.
WE CALL on the WMO together with all the donors and Pacific partners to lead in facilitating and negotiating finances for resources to expedite the implementation of the PIMS 2017-2026 and the PRSCS 2017-2026, acknowledging the key supporting roles of the PMC;
REQUEST SPREP, University of the South Pacific (USP), the Pacific Community (SPC) and other regional organizations, WMO and development partners to expedite the implementation of the PIMS and the PRSCS in the Pacific region;
WE SUPPORT the establishment and operation of a RA V Pacific Islands Regional Climate Centre (RCC), and the continuation of the annual Pacific Island Climate Outlook Forum (PICOF);
RECOGNISE the need to further improve the capacities and services of PICTs’ NMHSs to address weather, climate, ocean , water and related environmental impacts and hazards and to improve the safety and security of our region;
RECOGNISE the need for PICTs NMHSs to promulgate maritime safety information and develop ocean services to strengthen sustainable economic growth, public safety and security and comply with national obligations under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention;
14. RECOGNISE the need for cooperation and coordination across all the work of PMC that is underway or planned to ensure effective services for the people of the Pacific;
15. RECOGNISE that the uniform application of aeronautical meteorological services by States in accordance with ICAO Annex 3 (Meteorological Service for International Air Navigation) support a safe, efficient, secure, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible international civil aviation sector across the PICTs and globally;
16. COMMIT to compliance (by States) with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) where reasonably practicable in ICAO Annex 3 recognized as necessary or desirable for the safety, regularity or efficiency of international air navigation, including the fundamental SARPs governing quality management of meteorological information, competency of aeronautical meteorological personnel and the designation of and role of the ‘meteorological authority’;
17. REQUEST the PIAWS Panel to consider the global developments for enhancements to meteorological service for international air navigation, including the exchange of meteorological information within the ICAO Meteorological Information Exchange Model (IWXXM) and the associated planning for the implementation phase taking into account opportunities for international coordination and cooperation through the appropriate forums of the ICAO Asia-Pacific Air Navigation Planning and Implementation Regional Group (APANPIRG);
ACKNOWLEDGE the vital contributions of environmental satellites from United States of America, Japan, China, Korea and Europe necessary for the provision of remotely sensed data and derived products to the PICTs’ NMHSs to improve weather, climate, ocean, water and related environmental services;
ACKNOWLEDGE the importance of traditional knowledge about weather, climate, ocean and water especially in the context of climate change adaptation;
EXPRESS CONCERN about inadequate infrastructure and limited human resources of PICTs’ NMHSs as factors that limit the effective uptake of scientific and technological advances to improve and effective service delivery;
AFFIRM that telecommunication networks and Information Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure used by NMHSs are critical for exchange and delivery of weather, climate, ocean, water and related environmental observations and data, and products vital for the timely delivery of alerts, Multi Hazard Early Warnings and impact-based forecasting;
AGREE on the need for NMHSs to cooperate with the regulatory authorities in their countries including participation in the development of the National Emergency Telecommunications Plans (NETP), and in aligning policies and regulations to ensure effective and robust telecommunications systems for early warning;
WE FURTHER AGREE to prioritize improvements in the capabilities of PICTs’ NMHSs with our national telecommunication authorities and mobile phone carriers to provide greater reach for warning services to remote areas and people with disabilities;
REQUEST support from SPREP, SPC, USP and other regional organisations and WMO to improve the capacity of National Hydrological Services in the region to ensure adequate level of service delivery in PICTs in the areas of drought, flood and flash flood forecasting and early warnings; and CALL for further collaboration between WMO, UNESCO, SPREP and SPC to increase support for operational hydrology, and endorse the establishment of the expert panel on Hydrology (PHS) to assist the PMC in progressing initiatives to support national capacity needs;
REQUEST UNESCO IOC, WMO, SPREP, SPC and development partners to support further investment in strengthening earthquake and tsunami detection and analysis, data collection and exchange, tsunami warning and dissemination, up-scaling of competencies and capabilities, and community tsunami readiness;
ENCOURAGE PICTs NMHSs to participate in climate change and disaster risk reduction forums at national, regional and international levels including the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific and the Pacific Resilience Partnership, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Sendai Framework and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC);
ALSO ENCOURAGE NMHSs to participate in the implementation of and reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the national and regional levels including through the PMC;
RECOGNISE the opportunities that the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC) to be established at SPREP will bring for enhancing sustainable weather, climate, ocean and water services in the region;
COMMEND the continuous support from WMO to PICTs’ NMHSs through initiatives such as the Voluntary Cooperation Programme (VCP), Canada/WMO Programme for Implementing Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) at Regional and National Levels, training fellowships, the Severe Weather Forecast and Disaster Risk Reduction Demonstration Project (SWFDDP), the Coastal Inundation Forecast Demonstration Project (CIFDP) and other initiatives;
EXPRESS APPRECIATION to the Government of Finland for their support to the meteorological Services in the Pacific region since 2006 and the FINPAC Project from 2013 to 2017;
ACKNOWLEDGE the support of the Government of Fiji through Fiji Meteorological Service to perform its functions as the WMO designated Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for Tropical Cyclones (RSMC Nadi-TCC); as the ICAO designated Tropical Cyclone Advisory Center (TCAC) designated to prepare tropical cyclone advisory information and Meteorological Watch Office (MWO) to maintain continuous watch on meteorological conditions affecting flight operations within the Nadi Flight Information Region (FIR). NOTE that meteorological services are provided by Fiji on behalf of to Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu with no formal arrangements with these countries;
ACKNOWLEDGE the continuous support from development partners and donors for critical programmes, projects and other initiatives which have supported WMO, SPREP, SPC, USP and other regional organisations, in the various roles that they play in the region;
EXPRESS APPRECIATION to the Government and the people of Solomon Islands for the excellent facilities and hosting of the Second Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology;
EXPRESS APPRECIATION to the Governments of Solomon Islands, Australia, Finland, United States, United Nations Development Programme, WMO and SPREP for co-sponsoring the Second Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology, and WE ENCOURAGE them and other development partners to continue providing financial support for future Meetings;
DECIDE to hold the sessions of the Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology at least once every four years and REQUEST SPREP, with the support of WMO and development partners to convene the Meetings;
COMMIT to implementing this Statement and INVITE SPREP Director-General and WMO Secretary-General to bring this Statement to the attention of the 2017 Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, the SPREP Meeting and the Council of Regional Organizations in the Pacific (CROP) agencies and to the WMO Executive Council, respectively.
Adopted in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on 18th August 2017
